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Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats & Baked Goods.

Experience the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts with these Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies. These unique treats capture the essence of both chewy cookies and tender cupcakes in one irresistible package. The cookies feature a striking red velvet color and dome up beautifully like miniature cupcake tops while maintaining that satisfying cookie chew. Each cookie is generously topped with silky cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of flavors. The secret to their special texture lies in the careful blend of ingredients, including milk powder and cornstarch, which contribute to their tender, yet chewy consistency. Whether you're serving them at a special occasion or simply craving something different, these eye-catching cookies deliver a memorable dessert experience that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:38:13 GMT
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Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

The perfect fusion of cookies and cupcakes comes alive in these red velvet cupcake cookies. Their tender, airy centers rise like miniature cupcakes while maintaining that irresistible chewy cookie texture. Each cookie gets crowned with silky cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful treat that satisfies both cookie and cake cravings.

Last weekend, I baked these for my daughter's birthday party. The look of wonder on the children's faces when they saw these vibrant red treats was priceless. Even the adults couldn't resist reaching for seconds.

Key Ingredients Selection

  • Cake Flour: Creates a more delicate, tender crumb than all purpose flour.
  • Natural Cocoa Powder: Provides subtle chocolate flavor and reacts with vinegar for proper color.
  • Cream Cheese: Philadelphia brand works best for smooth, tangy frosting.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives vibrant color without affecting texture.
  • Milk Powder: Adds richness and helps create that perfect cakey texture.
  • White Vinegar: Activates the red color and helps create tender texture.
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Red Velvet Cookie Cups with Frosting | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Baking Magic Process

Cookie Base Creation:
Mix dry ingredients until well combined in large bowl.
Butter Preparation:
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients Addition:
Blend in eggs, vanilla, and food coloring until smooth.
Combining Mixtures:
Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients carefully.
Portioning Perfection:
Use cookie scoop for uniform size and shape.
Baking Excellence:
Watch for slight dome formation and set edges.
Cooling Phase:
Allow cookies to set before moving to cooling rack.
Frosting Creation:
Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Final Decoration:
Pipe beautiful swirls and add garnishes.

My family's secret is adding a tiny pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes. It doesn't make the cookies taste like coffee, but it adds incredible depth that everyone notices but can't quite identify.

Perfect Cookie Companions

Serve these showstoppers with cold milk or hot coffee for the ultimate treat. For dessert tables, pair them with vanilla bean ice cream or create cookie sandwiches. They also make stunning holiday cookie platters alongside classic sugar cookies and chocolate chip favorites.

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Frosted Red Velvet Cookie Bites | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Sweet Variations

Customize these cookies to make them uniquely yours:

  • Transform them into sandwich cookies.
  • Add white chocolate chips to the dough.
  • Create cream cheese stuffed centers.
  • Top with chocolate ganache instead of frosting.
  • Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for holidays.

Keeping Freshness Alive

Store unfrosted cookies in airtight containers using parchment paper between layers. For frosted cookies, refrigerate in single layers to maintain their beautiful appearance. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

After countless batches in my kitchen, these cookies have become my signature treat. Their vibrant color and unique texture never fail to impress guests. While they might look complicated, they're actually quite straightforward to make. The key is patience and attention to detail, especially when creating those perfect frosting swirls. The joy of seeing someone bite into these cookies for the first time makes all the effort worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do these cookies need milk powder and cornstarch?
The milk powder adds richness and tenderness, while cornstarch helps create a softer texture and allows the cookies to dome up like cupcake tops.
→ Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the red food coloring. The cookies will still taste delicious and have a light chocolate color from the cocoa powder.
→ How should I store these frosted cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Add the frosting after thawing them to room temperature.
→ Why does the recipe call for vinegar?
Vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cookies rise and creates the tender texture characteristic of red velvet baked goods.

Frosted Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies

These red velvet cupcake cookies feature tender, dome-shaped centers with a chewy cookie texture, crowned with rich cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Baking & Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (9 frosted cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Base

01 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
02 ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 tablespoon instant milk powder
04 1 tablespoon cornstarch
05 ½ teaspoon baking powder
06 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
07 ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
09 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
11 ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
12 1 large egg, room temperature
13 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 1 teaspoon white vinegar
15 1-2 teaspoons red liquid-gel food coloring

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 3 ounces (85g) block cream cheese
17 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened
18 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 1½ cups (195g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.

Step 04

Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a thick, sticky dough forms. Scoop 3-4 tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.

Step 05

Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and lightly golden brown at edges. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 06

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until silky. Refrigerate if too soft.

Step 07

Once cookies are completely cool, pipe or spread frosting on top. Optionally sprinkle with cookie crumbs for decoration.

Notes

  1. Avoid liquid food coloring as it affects dough moisture
  2. Gel or powdered food coloring works best
  3. Cookies should be completely cool before frosting

Tools You'll Need

  • 2 large baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoon size)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (flour)